Temple University Athletics
Softball Rallies for Dramatic 3-2, 10-inning Victory Over Charlotte
3.28.09 | Softball
March 28, 2009
Ambler, Pa. - Freshman Jess Hirschbuhl knocked in the game-winning run with a double to the gap and senior Amanda Carver slid past the Charlotte cathcter on a play at the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning, as the Owls (3-19, 1-3) rallied for a dramatic 3-2 victory over the 49ers from the Ambler Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
The thrilling victory is the Owls' first conference win of the season and the Cherry and White's second win in the last three games.
"This win was huge for us today," said head coach Joe DiPietro. "If we lose this today, we are 0-4 in conference and we need every to break to go our way to stay in the race. If we play like we did today, there is no reason we can't stay in the conference race."
Freshman Sarah Reynolds threw a gem for the Owls, pitching all 10 innings while allowing just two earned runs on four hits while striking out five.
The Owls took the game into extra-innings in dramatic fashion as well. Down 2-0 with two outs and runners on first and second, junior Krystle Metzler lined the ball down the left line, catching the Charlotte left fielder out of position, with the ball dropping for a double on the warning track. Junior Michelle Lerner and senior Nicole Lee came around to score, sending the game into extra innings.
"They were cheating her in left field. She got the hit, turned the fielder around, and got the two runs in," said DiPietro
The 49ers broke a scoreless tie in the top of the sixth inning when Serena Smith smashed a two-run home run over the centerfield fence, giving the 49ers a 2-0. For the weekend series, Smith drove in five of the 49ers' six runs.
Senior Courtney Norene, freshman Samantha Schoell and Carver all added singles for the Cherry and White.
In the field, senior Lee made several game-saving defensive plays at third base and Owls did not commit an error for the second consecutive game.
Emily Jefferies - yesterday's winning pitcher - took the loss for Charlotte, working 2.2 innings in relief of starting pitcher Katy Hackett.
Tomorrow's scheduled doubleheader against Manhattan and been postponed due to expected inclement weather. The make-up date has yet to be determined.
